How we test products
Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.
We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product.
Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.
If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.
Emma Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison
Both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses.
But the composition of these two is remarkably different.
If you'd like to read our in-depth analyses of the Emma Original and Simba Hybrid mattresses, we'd suggest you turn to our mattress reviews:
Below, you'll find a side-by-side comparison of the two mattresses.
Simba Hybrid | Emma Original | |
Type of mattress: | Hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress | Foam mattress |
Mattress height: | 25 cm (10 inches) | 25 cm (10 inches) |
Mattress layers: |
Four layers: Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam Aerocoil mini conical pocket springs Stability layer SupportCore barrel spring base |
Three foam layers: Airgocell foam Viscoelastic memory foam HRX polyfoam |
Firmness: | Medium-firm | Soft |
Stability & support: | Good support, pressure distribution, and edge-to-edge support, no matter your preferred sleeping position. | An orthopaedic choice that offers good stability, support, and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. |
Suitable for: |
Light- and average-weight sleepers. People who sleep on their side or back. People who like a medium-firm feel. Heavy sweaters. Restless sleepers. |
Light- and average-weight sleepers. People who like a soft mattress. Side sleepers. Those needing orthopaedic support. |
Temperature: | Excellent temperature regulation | Very good temperature regulation |
Motion isolation: | Low motion transfer, but you may feel some movement | Very low motion transfer |
Mattress cover: | Hypoallergenic 100% polyester cover that's not machine-washable. Larger sizes have 4 side carrying handles. | Hypoallergenic cover that's removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles. |
Purchase: | 40% OFF SIMBA HYBRID | 20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5" |
Even though the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are high-quality choices, they are very different in composition.
The Simba mattress is a hybrid model that combines conical mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam, while the Emma Original is largely a memory foam mattress.
Interestingly, Simba used to be a pocket sprung memory foam mattress. 🤔
This previous version featured a layer of memory foam and a layer of latex foam, making it more similar to the Emma Original.
Simba Sleep has replaced the older version of the Simba mattress with one that's more breathable. 💨
The mattresses are now suitable for different people.
We'll go through the specific composition and features of each mattress in more detail in the next section.
Emma vs Simba: Which mattress is best suited to you?
The Simba Hybrid and Emma Original mattresses are both very comfortable, but they're suited to very different types of people.
The mattresses have different levels of firmness and different compositions that highlight unique features.
Both, though, are excellent choices if you're looking for mattresses that are more environmentally friendly. 🌱
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.
They're also both fire-retardant & adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177. 🔥
Simba Hybrid: superior support and breathability
The Simba Hybrid is slightly softer and offers better temperature regulation than the Emma Original.
We've rated it at 5.5 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
The Simba mattress offers excellent support, even pressure distribution, and optimal spinal alignment no matter which sleeping position you prefer.
It is particularly comfortable if you sleep on your back. 😴
This mattress also offers excellent edge support, meaning that you can use the full width of the mattress without ever feeling like you're falling off the sides.
It's also easy to move around on, making it suitable for restless sleepers. 🕺
Finally, the Simba Hybrid has been designed with breathability in mind, making it an excellent choice for heavier sweaters.
Choose the Simba Hybrid if you:
- Are a light- or average-weight sleeper.
- Sleep on your side or back.
- Prefer mattresses with medium firmness.
- Are a warm sleeper or sweat a little more heavily.
- Are a restless sleeper.
- Like the hybrid design.
- Want good edge support.
The Simba mattress cover is also removable and washable. 😔
You can also clean the grey base fabric with a soft, damp cloth, but we would strongly recommend using a waterproof mattress protector to safeguard your mattress.
We've linked to a few of our favourite mattress protectors at the bottom of this section.
Emma Original: soft, body-hugging comfort
The Emma mattress is slightly firmer than the Simba Hybrid.
We've rated it as 6 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
This makes it an excellent choice for lighter- or average-weight people, particularly if they like to sleep on their side.
When sleeping on your side, your hips and shoulders need to sink in more deeply to keep your spine optimally aligned. 📐
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
The Emma mattress allows for this.
It is also often recommended as an orthopaedic mattress.
The one drawback of this body-hugging comfort is that moving around on the Emma mattress becomes a little more cumbersome. 💃
So, we wouldn't recommend memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original for restless sleepers.
Choose the Emma Original if you:
- Want a mattress with body-hugging support and orthopaedic properties.
- Are of lighter or medium build.
- Sleep on your side.
- Prefer soft mattresses.
- Want a no-fuss mattress with a removable and machine-washable cover.
The Emma Original will be less suitable if you're of a larger build, a pure back or stomach sleeper, a heavier sweater, or a restless sleeper.
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
Even though the Emma Original has a machine-washable cover, we'd recommend further safeguarding your mattress with a mattress protector.
Mattress protectors safeguard against moisture, spills, and bacteria, and elongate the lifespan of your mattress.
Our favourite UK mattress protectors:
Emma vs Simba mattress composition
The Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are two very different mattresses.
Simba mattress composition
The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress that combines mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam. 🌀
Simba Sleep advertises it as a 5-layer mattress, but they include the mattress cover in this.
There are only four layers to the actual mattress.
These four layers are:
- Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam
- Up to 2500 Aerocoil conical pocket springs
- CertiPur stability layer
- No roll-off SupportCore base with up to 1000 barrel springs
The Simba Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches).
Emma mattress composition
The Emma mattress is primarily a memory foam mattress, made up of 3 different layers of foam.
These three foam layers are:
- A top layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
- A core of viscoelastic memory foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
- A base layer of HRX polyfoam (19 cm / 7.4 inches)
The Emma Original has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches).
Emma vs Simba mattress price & size comparison
Price differences vary depending on the mattress dimensions, but the Simba Hybrid mattress is generally more expensive than the Emma Original.
Both brands regularly offer promotions.
You could very well grab your new Emma mattress or Simba mattress at a much lower price!

Current discount codes, if available, will be highlighted throughout this article.
Also, look at our discounts page to view all current UK promotions.
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
Both brands are available in standard UK mattress sizes and some European sizes. 🇪🇺
These include the European single-size mattress, European double mattress, and the European queen mattress.
How do the Emma and Simba delivery conditions & trial periods differ?
The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are based on the bed-in-a-box principle and delivered straight to your front door.
The table below gives a brief overview of the remarkably similar delivery conditions.
Simba Hybrid | Emma Original | |
Delivery: | Bed-in-a-box principle | Bed-in-a-box principle |
Delivery time: | 1 - 3 working days | 1 - 3 working days |
Delivery cost: | Free delivery within mainland UK | Free delivery within mainland UK |
Trial period: | 200-day trial period | 200-night trial |
Returns: | Free returns | Free returns |
Warranty: | 10-year guarantee | 10-year guarantee |
Free delivery
The Emma and Simba mattresses are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a compact box. 📦
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
The boxes have been deliberately designed to fit through any narrow passageway and can easily be handled by one person.
Both brands have a fast delivery time, with free delivery within the UK.
Once unpacked and the vacuum seal removed, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid will expand to their full size within a few hours. ⏰
Risk-free trial periods & free returns
Both mattresses come with a 200-day risk-free trial period.
Risk-free trial periods allow you to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home, allowing your body to get used to it. 🛌

After all, it can take the body a while to become accustomed to a new mattress.
If you're not convinced that the mattress is right for you during your trial, you can return it for a full refund.
Both Emma and Simba offer free returns.
10-year guarantee
The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee.
This warranty will cover you in case of manufacturing defects or premature sagging.
Terms and conditions apply.
What else do Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer?
Once you've invested in one of the best mattresses on the market, you also need sleep accessories to kit out your bedroom fully.
Both Emma and Simba offer some fantastic sleep accessories and a few premium bed bases and frames.👌
These include:
- The Simba Hybrid pillow, Emma Original pillow, and the Emma Premium Microfibre pillow
- The Simba Hybrid mattress topper and the Emma Flip topper
- The Simba Hybrid duvet, Simba Orbit weighted blanket, Emma Cloud duvet, and the Emma Hug weighted blanket
- The elegant Simba Orion bed frame, or any of the Emma bed frames
And so much more!
We've included our favourites below:
Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses
To sum up, here is a table overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both mattresses.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Simba Hybrid:
Simba Hybrid mattress | |
Advantages: |
Innovative structure with a slightly springy feel. Very comfortable for side sleepers and back sleepers. Adapts well to the body. Very good breathability. Removable and washable cover. Free delivery & returns. 200-night trial period. Available in a wide range of sizes. |
Disadvantages: |
The mattress is quite heavy. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Original:
Emma Original mattress | |
Advantages: |
Soft & comfortable to give you that "sleeping-on-a-cloud" feeling. Offers excellent adaptability & high point elasticity for orthopaedic support. Exceptionally low motion transfer, making it a brilliant choice for couples. Good temperature regulation. Very well-suited to side sleepers. Machine-washable top cover. Free shipping & free returns. 200-day risk-free trial period. 10-year guarantee. 100% vegan. |
Disadvantages: |
May be too soft for heavier-weight people, larger builds, or back sleepers. The side carrying handles are a little weak, especially for the larger mattress sizes. |
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
Read Sleep Hero reviews:
What about other Emma vs Simba mattress comparisons?
Even though the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are the flagship products, both brands also have a few other mattresses available.
The other Simba mattresses (Simba Hybrid Essential, Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid Luxe) are very similar in composition to the Simba mattress. 🙌
But, these are more premium mattresses with a greater height and better temperature regulation.
This excludes the Simba Essential, of course, which is a low-height "budget" mattress.
The other Emma mattresses, in contrast, are remarkably different.
While the Emma Original is a pure memory foam mattress, the Emma Hybrid and the Emma Premium are both hybrid mattresses.
These are more similar in composition to the Simba Hybrid.
Simba Hybrid vs Emma Hybrid
The Emma Hybrid and the Simba Hybrid are both hybrid mattresses that feature mini pocket springs.
The key difference between these two is that the Emma Hybrid has an additional layer of memory foam. In contrast, the Simba Hybrid has an additional layer of open-cell Simbatex foam.
5% OFF EMMA HYBRID W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
The Simbatex foam will be better suited to more restless sleepers. 🏃♂️
The Simba Hybrid also offers better breathability than the Emma Hybrid, making it more suited to heavier sweaters.
Simba Hybrid vs Emma Premium
While the Emma Premium is also a hybrid mattress, it uses full-size pocket springs, not mini pocket springs. 🌀
The Simba Hybrid, Simba Hybrid Pro, and the Simba Hybrid Luxe all use mini pocket springs.
You'll get far more stability, support, and breathability from the Emma Premium mattress than you would from the Simba mattress.
5% OFF EMMA PREMIUM PLUS W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
The Simba Hybrid Pro and Simba Hybrid Luxe are both thicker mattresses, though. ⭐️
Depth of Emma Premium and Simba premium mattresses:
- The Emma Premium has a height of 25 cm (10 inches)
- The Simba Hybrid Pro has a height of 28 cm (11 inches)
- The Simba Hybrid Luxe has a height of 31 cm (12 inches)
If you're looking for a bed that looks far more luxurious and is easier to get in and out of, then the Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid Luxe are better choices.
Which mattress is better, the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid?
As you'll have hopefully discovered in our Emma vs Simba review, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses that offer comfort and support for the best night's sleep.
One isn't necessarily better than the other, but they are suitable for very different types of people.
The Simba Hybrid is best suited to:
- People who like hybrid mattresses.
- Light- and average-weight sleepers.
- People who sleep on their side or back.
- People who like a medium-firm feel.
- People who prefer more edge support.
- Heavy sweaters.
- Restless sleepers.
The Emma Original is best suited to:
- People of lighter or medium build.
- Side sleepers.
- People who prefer soft mattresses.
- People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and relieve pressure points.
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"
Regardless of your choice, you'll get to enjoy a risk-free trial period, giving you the chance to try out the mattress in the comfort of your own home.
After all, testing a mattress is the only way to figure out if it's perfect for you. 🥳
And if you're not 100% convinced, you can return the mattress for a full refund.
Contact Emma Sleep UK and Simba Sleep UK
If you need to get in touch with these brands directly, you'll find the respective contact details below.
Contact Emma Sleep UK
Customer service: To contact Emma UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at support@emma-mattress.co.uk, visit their live online chat, or complete their online contact form.
Registered office: Emma Matratzen GmbH, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 78, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Contact Simba Sleep UK
Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat. The customer services team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm., and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EU
Table of Contents
Emma Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison
Emma vs Simba: Which mattress is best suited to you?
Emma vs Simba mattress composition
Emma vs Simba mattress price & size comparison
How do the Emma and Simba delivery conditions & trial periods differ?
What else do Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer?
Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses
What about other Emma vs Simba mattress comparisons?
Which mattress is better, the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid?